Couple indicted on four counts of welfare fraud

DOVER — A couple from Maine could both face up to 30 years in prison for allegedly deceiving the state to receive Medicaid, Social Security and food stamps.

On Nov. 14, a grand jury handed up the indictments against Nina Deangelis, 33, and Robert Deangelis, 34, who both previously lived along Elm Street in North Berwick, Maine. They each were charged with two counts of welfare fraud.

Between Dec. 3, 2010 and Aug. 31, 2011, Nina and Robert Deangelis both allegedly obtained Medicaid assistance after making "an intentionally false statement or misrepresentation" to the N.H. Department of Health & Human Services. By allegedly failing to disclose they were self-employed and were earning an income, the couple was not entitled to the assistance, which was in excess of $1,000, according to the indictments.

In the same period, Nina Deangelis also allegedly helped her husband obtain cash under the Assistance to Persons Permanently and Totally Disabled program, food stamps and Medicaid assistance, which was in excess of $1,000, according to the indictments.

Between Sept. 1, 2010, and May 31, 2013, Robert Deangelis allegedly obtained more than $1,500 in currency from the Social Security Administration after "creating an impression which was false" that he was not working or receiving income from the Down and Dirty Cleaning Services, according to the indictments.

They are scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 26 at 9 a.m.

Welfare fraud is a Class A felony and each count could yield up to 7½ to 15 years in prison and a $4,000 fine if convicted.